Moms Who Have Lost Children in Iraq and Afghanistan Get Special Honors From Mothers Hall of Fame

The International Mothers Hall of Fame began in 1967, when Douglas Stroud wanted to find a way to honor his own mother. Since then, more than 500,000 moms from all over the world have received the honor. Now, Stroud is embarking on an ambitious mission...trying to locate more than 6,200 moms who have lost children in fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. And he's starting right here in Louisiana.

Stroud says he's got names and addresses for 59 moms in our state, but he knows there are at least 167. So he's asking that if you are one of these women, or if you know one, to contact him via the Hall of Fame website so you can receive a special honor.

What those ladies get is a framed certificate, a mauve-colored orchid from ProFlowers, a big box of mauve-colored chocolate-covered strawberries from Shari's Berries and a Waterford crystal rose.

If you'd like to honor your own mom, it's very easy to do. Log on to the website and click on "Enroll a Deserving Mom Today." For less than a $25 donation, you get a personalized letter from Founder Doug Stroud, an official customized inductee certificate and card from you, listing in the IMHOF Virtual Hall of Fame on the website, an inscription on the momument wall -- which will be placed in the IMHOF Gardens located in Texas -- and a donation to charity.

With Christmas coming up, this would be a great gift for that special lady in your life...whether that's your own mom, the mother of your children, or a friend.